Saturday, January 15th, 2011
KHCD-2011-010 (STEREO) – Nielsen: Symphony No. 4 “The Inextinguishable” – Igor Markevitch/Royal Danish Orchestra; Grieg: Four Norwegian Dances and Sigurd Jorsalfar March; Järnefelt: Praeludium; Svendsen: Romance for Violin and Orchestra; Sibelius: Valse Triste and Finlandia – Willem van Otterloo/Hague Philharmonic – Orchestral music from Denmark, Finland and Norway fill this disc, with unmatched performances of Scandanavian masters Grieg, J ärnefelt, Nielsen, Sibelius and Svendsen. The “Inextinguishable” symphony no Carl Nielsen is given a riveting, passionate performance, with Igor Markevitch conducting the Royal Danish Orchestra, from a Fona recording licensed to Turnabout/Vox. The balance of this CD includes performances by the Hague Philharmonic, conducted by the revered Willem van Otterloo, from a Philips recording of the late 1950s licensed to Mercury. Both recordings were sourced from near-mint LPs. There is some slight congestion in louder passages in the Nielsen symphony, but otherwise sounds better than the original vinyl. The van Otterloo disc was cut at a low level, so I boosted the overall output to a more realistic level, and still maintained a quiet background. This is a very enjoyable collection, with performances that deserve to be reissued.
KHCD-2011-011 (MONO/STEREO) – J. S. Bach: Concerto for 2 Harpsichords in c minor BWV 1062; Concerto for 3 Harpsichords in d minor BWV 1063; Concerto for 3 Harpsichords in C BWV 1064; Concerto for 4 Harpsichords in a minor BWV 1062 – Fritz Neumeyer, Lily Berger, Konrad Burr and Ilse Urbutiet, harpsichodists; Karl Ristenpart/Chamber Orchestra of The Saar – Karl Ristenpart’s recordings of Bach with the Saar Chamber Orchestra are timeless in the seemingly effortless genius of balance and pulse, with warm spacious sound to enhance the experience. Transcribed from a 2-LP Nonesuch set.
KHCD-2011-012 (STEREO) – Brahms: Serenade No. 2 in A, Op. 16 ; Wagner: Siegfried Idyll – Karl Ristenpart conducts The South German Philharmonic – Karl Ristenpart recorded few Romantic-era pieces, much to our regret, for his particular genius was well-suited for the genre. These two works, recorded for the Checkmate label in 1967, find Ristenpart in sympathy with the moods of quiet contemplation and unassuming gayety found in both of these works. Originally engineered by Marc J. Aubort in Stuttgart, the South German Philharmonic offers a burnished sound to the otherwise dark-hued Brahms, and the Wagner receives a truly chamber orchestra-oriented performance. Both are worthy of restoration to the catalogue after 40 years of neglect.
KHCD-2011-013 (STEREO) – Mendelssohn: Concerto for 2 Pianos and Orchestra in A-flat; Schumann: Introduction and Allegro for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 92; Konzertstücke for 4 Horns and Orchestra, Op. 86 – Karl Ristenpart/Chamber Orchestra of The Saar – Another Romantic collection with Karl Ristenpart at the helm, with two piano works by Mendelssohn and Schumann, and his glorious recording of the Schumann Konzertstücke for 4 Horns and Orchestra. Originally taped by Club Françaises du Disques and issued domestically on two different Nonesuch discs, these recordings again reflect Ristenpart’s dynamism and precision, and are worthy of reissue.
KHCD-2011-014 (STEREO) – English Cathedral Choir Series, Vol. 1: Evensong for Ash Wednesday – Choir of King’s College, Cambridge/David Willcocks – First in a series of 5 CDs devoted to the English Cathedral Choir, this recording, derived from an Argo LP from 1964, is a setting of the Ash Wednesday Service as observed by King’s College, Cambridge. Works by Allegri, Byrd, Farrant, and Purcell, as well as lesser-know composers Joseph Pring, Matthew Camidge, and Thomas Causton are featured, with readings by the Chaplain, Dean and Director of Music of King’s College. The unmistakable sound of King’s College Choir, led by Davis Willcocks, provides the perfect setting for a time of solemn contemplation during the season of Lent, or any other occasional where peace and reflection may be enhanced by music.
The Ristenpart CDs were requested by several fans of that conductor; and after much searching, I was able to find pristine copies of the titles requested. I am always happy to fulfill requests; if I can find it, I will transfer it!
Please keep in touch; I have much more coming in January 2011. Cheers – Curt Timmons